One of the 3 Central Region Initiatives for 2009-12 is “Cell Multiplication.” We are investing huge efforts in seeing our traditional small group ministry transform into a more missional cell model that emphasizes multiplication (students gaining vision and taking risks to start new cells in unreached places on campus). For the 2009-10 year, we set a goal to plant 200 cell groups. As of today, the Central Region IV students and staff have planted 227 cells!
Each typical cell has 3 components – intentional outreach, holistic worship, and authentic community. Here’s a recent cell story from U of Missouri-St. Louis that illustrates our cell vision: This new IV chapter has seen 4 conversions in just the past few months, but more importantly, those new believers are already reaching their friends for Christ! Ebony, Emily, Kristen, and Chelsea all became new believers in recent months, through the witness of IV students and Chioma, our IV missionary who is planting the new ministry. Immediately after their decision, all 4 of them joined a cell group where they studied the Scriptures and gained a vision to share their faith with friends. Soon after, Emily (who became a believer at Urbana) planted a new cell group in her sorority house and asked Kristen to help her. Now Ebony has a vision to plant a new African-American cell group, to reach her African-American friends on campus. And while they reach out with these new cell groups, these 4 continue to meet together in their original cell group for encouragement and their own growth as young believers!
